DAC and/or AMP for Dan Clark Aeon 2 Closed

[nycarrival]

Hello all,

I need some help and guidance.

I opened my Aeon 2 Closed and plugged them into my MacBook Pro. I will be honest - I have tried before using Topping DX3 Pro with Senheiser HD 600, but I did not quite experienced much difference from just using my laptop.

I liked teh sound of my new Aeon 2 Closed however it feels like I am not getting much power from my MacBook and I am reaching out to check if you can recommend some device I can get. Is the answer simply an AMP (providing my ears cannot make much difference) or get a combo DAC/AMP.

I will appreciate some recommendations on specific models I can consider. I was thinking about getting the new Topping DX 7 Pro, but thought it may be too much of an overkill for me.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Dunring]

I've had the original closed back and just sold a DX7pro. I'd really recommend the JDS Atom+ amp/DAC stack. Just got one and the sound quality is just as good with plenty of power for a lot less money.
I've had the regular stacks, but the new plus version was a pleasant surprise when I got one last week, they really tweaked it and sounded better.
The best I've heard to date was a used Topping A90 and the E50 DAC, but if you don't need the crazy balanced power, the Atom+ stack is just as much fun for way less money.

 

[Jimbob54]

Not all MacBook are equal but seem to measure well mostly. If you are maxing the volume and its not loud enough, look to something like a Jds Atom or topping L30 mk2 amp and get a 3.5mm to 2 x rca lead (cheap) to run from your mac to the amp. Should be all you need

 

[nycarrival]

Do I really need a DAC if I cannot make the difference between my MacBook sound and a DAC?

 

[Jimbob54]

Do I really need a DAC if I cannot make the difference between my MacBook sound and a DAC?

No, and you dont need an amp if you're not maxing your mac volume or unless it's distorting.

 

[bkjernisted]

How does the drop aeon closed x sound with the qudelix 5 k. Is there a good preset, for example the dance preset, that would liven it up to a similar level of the dan clark aeon noire?